Jeff Yalden Speaks WITH Students
Photo by Dawson Defoe
Hettinger Public School recently welcomed nationally recognized youth speaker Jeff Yalden to speak with students, staff, and members of the school community about mental health, life challenges, and the importance of authentic connection.
Yalden was brought to Hettinger through West River’s mental health speaker program. Beth Erickson, who helped bring Yalden to the school, said the goal was to connect students with someone who could speak honestly about the challenges young people face.
Throughout his visit, Yalden focused on something simple: being real.
Photo by Dawson Defoe
During the Hawk Talk conversation, Yalden explained that connecting with young people requires authenticity. Rather than simply giving students a presentation or reading from a script, he believes in sharing real experiences and having honest conversations.
One of his central messages was that it is okay to not be okay. However, he challenged students to go one step further: if they are struggling, what are they going to do about it?
Yalden encouraged students to build a personal “toolbox” of healthy ways to handle difficult moments and, most importantly, to identify trusted adults they can talk to when they need help.
He also discussed the importance of recognizing the difference between everyday emotions and clinical mental health conditions. Sadness, grief, and difficult experiences are part of life, and students should feel comfortable talking about those emotions without feeling that every difficult moment needs a label.
Photo by Dawson Defoe
Another major topic was social media and comparison. Yalden reminded students that what they see online is often only a small, carefully selected portion of someone else’s life. Comparing that version of someone else's life to our own can create unrealistic expectations and unnecessary pressure.
The conversation also turned toward some of the basic habits that can have a major impact on how we feel: sleep, nutrition, and getting involved.
Yalden encouraged students to get enough sleep, put their devices down, drink more water, reduce excessive sugar, and find activities that give them opportunities to connect with others. Getting involved in school and community activities can help students build confidence, develop relationships, and step outside of their comfort zones.
His message extended beyond students. Yalden also encouraged parents, teachers, and the community to work together and support one another.
Photo by Dawson Defoe
“Teaching is harder than it's ever been. Parenting is harder than it's ever been. Growing up as a child is harder than it's ever been,” Yalden said during the podcast. He emphasized the importance of building trust and support between schools and families.
Yalden closed his conversation with a simple message for students: take a moment, breathe, and remember that life is a journey. It is okay to not have everything figured out. The goal is to keep asking questions and figuring out what is needed to become the best version of yourself.
The full conversation with Jeff Yalden is available in the latest episode of Hawk Talk.
